Thrive Tairāwhiti is a programme for people interested in starting a social enterprise: a purpose-driven business designed to improve their community.

The programme focusses on developing the capability of social entrepreneurs, and runs over four months in 2016, with an Expo at the end. Social enterprises are businesses that exist to do good. These organisations use the power of business to bring about sustainable social or environmental change. Thrive is part of a wider partnership between the Ākina Foundation and Eastland Community Trust (ECT), supported by New Zealand Post and Kiwibank, looking at how social enterprise could contribute to the wellbeing and prosperity of the Gisborne district.

Why is Thrive needed?

Many communities in regional New Zealand face social and economic challenges. Yet the Gisborne district is home to passionate, capable and active people who deeply understand the challenges and opportunities for change. Who better than locals to start enterprises that help solve the social and environmental problems facing their communities?

What does Thrive involve?

Starting in late July, participants engage in three two-day interactive workshops over four months (six days in total). They take charge of their own learning, surrounded by others on a similar journey, supported by experienced facilitators and mentors and coaches. The Thrive programme is interactive. It is designed to build on strengths in participants and the community, and encourages learning through action and reflection. Participants will gain increased skills, knowledge and confidence to make a difference through social enterprise. They will gain a support network that believes in them and can help them achieve their goals.

Who is it for?

Thrive Tairāwhiti is for people who want to gain skills to help create or progress a social enterprise, including:

Whānau, hapū and iwi members

Local business leaders

Community leaders who wish to leverage business to achieve positive outcomes, and

Existing social enterprise and community organisation leaders pursuing new social enterprise activities.

Other ways to help

Thrive participants won’t be alone on their social enterprise journey. We will build circles of support around them.

Community Champions will help Thrive participants in a variety of ways, depending on their capacity and the needs of participants. This could be connecting people to networks or volunteering their skills.

Social Enterprise Supporters will take part in two days of workshops designed to grow their personal capability to help social entrepreneurs build sustainable businesses. They may provide mentoring, coaching or practical support in specialist areas.

If you’re interested in making a significant impact in NZ communities and partnering with Ākina on a Thrive programme in your region, please get in touch.

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